Burnley reporter Alex James has provided some insight into reported Celtic target Robbie Brady and his current state of play.
The Hoops were linked with a move for Brady on a pre-contract before Neil Lennon left last week. The Republic of Ireland international’s contract is up in June, and he’s said to be on Celtic’s wanted list [Scottish Sun].
Whether that remains the case with Lennon now gone remains to be seen. However, it’s not been the most productive of campaigns for the Irish winger. He’s made 19 appearances so far this term, but only has one goal and one assist to show for his efforts [Transfermarkt]. In his last match against Fulham, Brady came on as a sub, failed to clear shot on the goal-line, and picked up a nasty injury. Effectively summing up his season.
After signing for the club for £13m in 2017 [BBC], Brady has failed to cement himself as a Burnley regular at Premier League level. However, Lancs Live’s Burnley reporter Alex James believes he needs a run of games to get going again.
“A run of games would help him”
As quoted by the 42, James said: “He’s struggled. Since he had the serious knee injury three years ago, he hasn’t really got back to those levels. The last 18 months, he’s suffered badly with minor injuries. He hasn’t been able to get going and get a regular run. And when he has played, he hasn’t really taken his opportunity. He hasn’t shown too much of the quality, which Burnley fans saw earlier on in his career at Turf Moor.
“The one thing he did have was great delivery. He’s even struggled to bring that into his game in the last 12 months or so. He just looks a little bit static and short of confidence, certainly short of a run of 10 games in a row.
“Considering Burnley paid £13 million, their transfer record is £15 million, so it’s one of the most expensive deals in the club’s history. To potentially let him go on a free just sort of shows how far he’s drifted down the pecking order really.
“But having said that, he’s still got something to offer and I do think a run of games would help him. It’s not like he’s been absolutely woeful, he just hasn’t cemented his place in the side. But personally speaking, I do think he and Burnley would probably benefit from a change of scenery.”
Burnley winger Robbie Brady needs fresh start, but are Celtic putting transfer plans on hold?
Lennon always maintained that Celtic were kicking on with recruitment plans for the summer. That was regardless of whether he was going to remain in charge or not [Glasgow Times].
But that’s a notion Celtic fans will struggle to get their heads around. After all, why should we be recruiting without a new manager? Or a new Director of Football too? What if any new signing lined up isn’t wanted by the new regime? That would represent a serious problem.
As for Brady in particular, Celtic fans have reservations about this one. His injury record plus the fact he isn’t getting any younger makes this unappealing for some. Brady failing to nail down regular game-time with Burnley hardly gets you excited for what he could provide for Celtic.
There’s no guarantee he’s itching for the move either to be fair. Burnley boss Sean Dyche has stated that the club is still in talks with the player regarding a new contract [Lancs Live]. It remains to be seen how that resolves itself.
Of course, there’s also no denying that Celtic need width in for next season. And down both flanks too. Brady has experience of playing on either side, and that could be an attractive proposition for any new manager.
But despite the fact he could be available, it would be wrong for any moves to be made before a new regime is in place. For now, it may be wise to cross this one off the list for the time being.
In other news, a report has outlined why Rafa Benitez turned down an English job amid the Celtic speculation.
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